A Stock products are generic by design and are available in any quantity at any time; they can be shipped overnight if necessary. Custom products are designed specifically for your purpose or event, with your logos. More time is required to produce them.

Q Do you produce products for markets other than sports?

A Yes, SPi can produce products for any company, event, or other purpose. We are not limited to sports, or to pins, for that matter.

Q How long does it take to produce a custom product?

A The time required varies by product, but six weeks from the time of artwork approval is typical. Specific products can be produced much quicker if necessary.

Q How do I start to have a custom product designed, and is professional artwork required?

A We generally start with an idea or sketch. We don’t need professional artwork; if you do have it that is great and will speed up the process, but it is certainly not required. We provide free computer graphics for our customers.

Q Can I send artwork to SPi via the internet?

A Yes, SPi is fully capable of receiving and sending artwork by e-mail. This will greatly expedite the design phase. Please refer to our Artwork Specification Sheet, for complete information on submitting digital artwork files. Our e-mail address is info@sportpins.com.

A Yes, we ask for a rough 50% deposit for all custom products, with the balance due upon receipt of the product.

Q How long has SPi been in business?

A SPi has been producing quality products for over 25 years.

Q Can trademarked or licensed logos be used for my custom products?

A Not unless you have permission from the logo owner or if the logo is from a company for which SPi is already licensed or approved. We are currently licensed or approved to produce products for Major League Soccer (MLS), Little League, Kiwanis International, United States Soccer Federation (USSF), United States Youth Soccer (USYS), American Youth Soccer (AYSO), United Soccer League (USL), Womens United Soccer Association (WUSA), and several other organizations.

Q Are all custom designed pins the same?

A No, pins are like cars or any other product; their prices and quality will vary considerably. The product’s appearance and quality is totally dependant upon the development of a good design. SPi utilizes six different processes (Cloisonne, Die Struck Soft Enamel, Photo Etched, Screen Print, Steel Poly (Valuestar) and Cloiscreen for pin production.

Q How will I know which pin process to use?

A Quite often the decision will be based on the design and your preference as far as the appearance of the pin. The price of the pin will also vary with the process, so budget considerations may be involved in the decision.

Q What is Cloisonne?

A Cloisonne (pronounced cloy-zuh-nay) utilizes a die struck pin base which is hand filled with a finely ground glass coloring material, one pin at a time. This is the traditional method of producing lapel pins.

Q Can Pantone (PMS) colors be utilized with my products?

A SPi can match specific Pantone colors on most of our products. In the case of Cloisonné pins, we use a process called New Cloisonne.

Q Where will my products be produced or shipped from?

A We use a variety of manufacturing facilities to produce our products. Many of our products are made in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Most pins, coins, patches, and medals are produced in Taiwan and China. Most of our products will be shipped to you from our facility in Upland, California; however we frequently drop ship”items direct from our factories to save you time and costs. Shipping and handling costs will be based on the shipping point (fob).

Q How many colors can be used on a pin design?

A Typically, up to four colors plus the metal finish can be used and are included in the price. Additional colors can be added at a slight extra cost.

Q Can samples of my product be produced before full production begins?

A Yes, in many cases samples can be done, assuming sufficient time is allowed before the production quantities are required. Some processes or products, however, don't lend themselves to the samples, so other renderings or similar products must be substituted.

Q What forms of payment can be used to pay for my products I order?

A With approved credit, SPi accepts personal or company checks, purchase orders, and mastercard or visa credit cards. If credit is not approved then the shipments may be made COD.

Q What is meant by the term consignment program?

A SPi offers our customers a special fund raising program, called the consignment program, which utilizes our stock products. We provide you with a variety of stock products at a special price that allows you to resell them at your event for a profit. You pay for what you sell, and the rest of the stock products can be returned for a nominal restocking charge. You are not stuck with unsold merchandise. This works great for tournaments and other short term events.

Q How is the size of a pin, medal, or coin determined?

A The size is determined by the height or the width, whichever is greater, not the diagonal measurement. In the case of a round product the diameter will be used.

Q How is the size of a patch determined?

A We use the height plus the width and divide by 2. In the case of a round design, the size is the diameter.

Q Does the quantity of the product purchased affect my price?

A Yes, all of our product pricing is based on volume discounting; the higher the volume, the lower the price per item.

Q What are the minimum quantities of custom products that can be produced?